No More Mondays

What can the outdoors teach us about ourselves that our everyday lives can't?

As we wrap up our The Outdoors Change Us series, Angie revisits a question she asked all three guests — Spencer Jones, Linda Clark, and McKenzie Johns:

What has being outside taught you that work never could?

Their answers reveal three surprisingly different lessons: learning to trust yourself, recognizing when you need others, and getting comfortable simply being with yourself.

In this Midweek Momentum, Angie explores how stepping outside our familiar environments can challenge our assumptions, reveal capabilities we didn't know we had, and help us discover parts of ourselves that might otherwise remain hidden.

Because changing your environment doesn't automatically change your life. But it might create the conditions for something new to emerge.

This week's question: What part of you needs different conditions in order to emerge?

Ever wonder why you feel a tug towards certain places? For McKenzie Johns, the mountains and rivers of Colorado were more than just destinations—they were catalysts for change.

McKenzie's story began in a small Connecticut town, where life felt scripted and predictable. It took a spontaneous hiking adventure for her to realize that her spirit was meant to roam free. This episode delves into how the outdoors can offer rebirth and how embracing such changes leads to self-discovery.

In this episode, we explore: - The powerful pull of place and purpose - McKenzie's journey from a dark place to self-fulfillment in Colorado - The unexpected connections made on a thru-hiker's journey - How stillness in nature allows us to face our inner selves - Balancing family expectations with life choices - The lessons learned from a high-energy, deaf cattle dog

McKenzie Johns has embraced an outdoor-centric life, discovering her voice, purpose, and strength in the process. Connect with McKenzie and witness the adventures she continues to undertake in the majestic landscapes she calls home.

Living intentionally, the outdoors offers a profound way to become who you've always meant to be.

When did everything we do become something we have to be good at?

We spend our working lives chasing goals, measuring progress, and optimizing performance. But somewhere along the way, that same mindset started creeping into the things we supposedly do for fun.

Inspired by a recent No More Mondays conversation with Linda Clark about leadership, uncertainty, and lessons from the outdoors, Angie explores why we need spaces in our lives where achievement isn't the point.

From mountain biking to hobbies that somehow become competitive sports, this Midweek Momentum is a reminder that enjoying improvement isn't the same as requiring achievement.

Sometimes the point of the thing is just the thing.

This week's question: When was the last time you did something you enjoyed without needing to turn it into an accomplishment?

Leadership often feels like kayaking a wild river—thrilling but uncertain. The key isn't control, but adaptability. This week, Linda Clark brings her invaluable insights into leading with presence and purpose, drawn from her adventures outdoors.

Linda shares her unique perspective on how embracing unpredictability in nature can shape a more human-centric, effective leadership style. Her journey from executive to adventurer offers a model for growth and resilience.

In this episode, we explore: - The illusion of control in leadership - Confidence vs. certainty in decision making - The importance of adaptability and preparation - Redefining failure in leadership contexts - How to create supportive leadership environments - Ecosystemic thinking and its application in modern organizations - The balance of adaptation and self-abandonment - Harnessing collective strengths in teams

Linda is not just an executive and leadership coach but a real-world adventurer whose stories are both engaging and enlightening. You can find Linda on LinkedIn or visit her website at linda-clark.com.

Leadership isn't about perfection; it's about navigating uncertainty with grace. As we continue to adapt, remember—humans still matter, and every leader has the potential to be a great guide.

When was the last time you deliberately did something that made you uncomfortable?

Following Angie's conversation with Spencer Jones, this Midweek Momentum explores what the outdoors can teach us about leaving our comfort zones — and why we don't need a mountain, trail, or big adventure to practice being uncomfortable.

Discomfort is a capacity we can build. Try something you might suck at. Speak up. Ask for something. Walk into the room where you don't know anyone. Do the thing you'd rather avoid.

Because the more willing we are to choose manageable discomfort, the better prepared we may be for the discomfort life chooses for us.

We often underestimate what we can achieve until we face an unexpected challenge, but adding a little adventure to your life can provide an intentional proving ground for hidden potential.

Stepping outside our comfort zone can reveal the best parts of who we are. In today's episode, we explore how adventure can teach resilience, self-reliance, and the art of being present as Angie Callen chats with Spencer Jones, an adventurer who turns outdoor experiences into life lessons.

His work focuses on helping leaders and individuals rediscover their capabilities through intentional retreats and outdoor activities.

In this episode, we explore: - The transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone - How adventure challenges self-limiting beliefs - The role of mentors and guides in navigating new experiences - The balance between rest and adventure - Lessons from nature: presence and perspective - The intersection of adventure and leadership development

Adventures aren't just thrilling; they're transformative. They teach us resilience, adaptability, and a new way of seeing the world—and ourselves.

About Today's Guest: Spencer Jones is a speaker, author, and founder of Jones and Four, helping people live life to the fullest through adventure. His philosophy centers around using challenges to unlock personal growth. Learn more at jonesandfour.com.

Remember, life is what you make of it. Choose to seek what challenges and changes you for the better.

What's something you know about yourself… but somehow keep having to learn again?

After three conversations about self-leadership, Angie looks back at what Ebony McNeil, Corinne Crabtree, and Jay Abbasi said when asked what they still have to relearn about themselves — from seeking validation to remembering their own capability to navigating rejection and criticism.

Because growth doesn't mean the old thoughts never come back. Sometimes it means recognizing them faster, questioning what no longer serves you, and choosing differently.

So, what do you need to unlearn — or maybe just remember?

What if embracing failure was the key to success? In a world where certainty is a luxury, Jay Abbasi joins us to explore the art of being wrong. This conversation dives deep into resilience and adaptability as necessary tools in both our professional and personal lives.

Jay's not new to the concept of change. Moving from a leadership role at Tesla to becoming a coach and speaker, he's mastered the growth born from disruption. This episode is an invitation to redefine failure as a path to insight and potential.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why humans tend to resist change and the consequences of this resistance - The transformative power of acknowledging our failures - Strategies to develop a mindset that thrives on uncertainty - How our devices may be feeding our fear of being wrong - Jay's personal journey through loss and unexpected hardships - Harnessing boredom as a backdrop for creativity and self-discovery - The true meaning of resilience: balancing energy, space, and choice

Life's hurdles are opportunities in disguise, urging us to look beyond our fears. Jay Abbasi's approach to personal growth challenges us to embrace the discomfort of being wrong.

Guest Bio: Jay Abbasi is a former leader at Tesla turned speaker and coach, focusing on helping individuals and organizations cultivate resilience and adaptability. He's the founder of Persuade on Purpose and host of the Unstuck podcast, sharing insights on personal and professional development.

Discover more about Jay's work through his upcoming book, Unstuck podcast, and SOS newsletter available at jayabbasi.me.

Remember, uncomfortable moments are merely steps to a more aligned path. Trust the process, and let the art of being wrong guide you forward.

Coming off of my conversation with Corinne Crabtree earlier this week has me stopping to look at many of my habits. Where am I self-sabotaging? Where have I given myself too much grace? Where am I being too hard on myself? What's the happy medium!?

So many questions as we find the fine line between excuses and punishment...but it's possible. It's possible to be the best version of yourself while also living life a little! Trust me!

Have you ever felt like you know exactly what you should do, yet find yourself not doing it? In this enlightening episode, join me, Angie Callen, and Corinne Crabtree, as we explore why self-awareness often doesn't lead to self-action.

Corinne is renowned for her work in behavior change and weight loss, but her insights go far beyond just the scale. We uncover the complexities of habits, brain function, and the voices in our heads that get in the way.

In this episode, we explore: - The critical gap between knowing and doing - How our brain's wiring impacts behavior change - Emotional eating as a metaphor for deeper issues - Strategies for self-coaching and accountability - The importance of small, sustainable changes - Navigating the tension between discipline and self-compassion - Recognizing and challenging unhelpful mental narratives

The takeaway? Change isn't about doing a complete life overhaul overnight. It's about managing the stories we tell ourselves and building a foundation of small successes.

Corinne Crabtree is not just an expert in weight loss; she's a master of turning thought into action. Her approach involves understanding emotional and mental patterns, making her a guide for anyone seeking purposeful change. You can follow her work and get helpful resources at nobisweightloss.com.

Remember, humans still matter—and that starts with you. Take ownership, defy mediocrity, and embark on your journey to change.